The Lagos Business School (LBS) and the French Government have identified agribusiness and food systems as key areas for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and France, with both parties advocating partnerships across agricultural value chains, logistics, agro-processing, technology, and human capital development.
The call was made during the France-Nigeria Business & Human Capital Development Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday.
Speaking during a high-level conversation with the Dean of Lagos Business School, Prof. Olayinka David-West, the French Ambassador to Nigeria and Representative to ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, said Nigeria possesses the resources and potential to emerge as Africa’s leading agri-food hub.
According to him, while Nigeria has made progress, significant opportunities remain in developing efficient agricultural value chains, food processing systems, storage infrastructure, and distribution networks.
“We have an edge. Let’s be honest. You have not reached your potential in Nigeria.
The potential is extraordinary. You should become, I think, the agri-food hub of Africa one day. You have the means to reach that. But in France, we have probably expertise in value-added chains, transformation and processing, the way to cool food and to store it, the way to process it and to distribute the food to markets,” Fonbaustier said.
He added that the partnership should be based on collaboration rather than a one-sided transfer of knowledge.
“On this field, I think there is really a common ground, not for transfer but co-construction. I insist on co-construction, respecting the partner and the sovereignty of Nigeria.”
Fonbaustier noted that agriculture remains one of the strongest areas of cooperation between both countries because modern agricultural development extends beyond production to include innovation, climate resilience, food security, logistics, and digital transformation.
According to him, France’s experience in agri-tech, sustainable agriculture, agro-processing, and supply chain management could complement Nigeria’s agricultural resources and support the development of more resilient food systems.
“French expertise in agri-tech, sustainable farming, logistics, and agro-processing can complement Nigeria’s immense agricultural potential to create more resilient food systems and stronger rural economies.”
The ambassador also pledged support for Nigerian universities, researchers, start-ups, and agribusinesses to enhance innovation, competitiveness, and productivity across the agricultural value chain.
Prof. David-West highlighted agriculture as one of the sectors requiring deeper cooperation between both countries.
She noted that Lagos Business School has continued to support agribusiness development through research, executive education, and programmes designed to address structural challenges affecting productivity and decision-making within the sector.
“As you know, we have the agribusiness programmes that we run. Yesterday, we had an event talking about agribusiness and data, and the paucity of data in that sector that leads to wrong decisions, bad decisions, and mistakes,” David-West said.
She added that technical support and collaborative problem-solving remain critical areas where both countries can work together.
“Technical assistance and the ability to co-create structures and systems are one of those areas.”
David-West stressed the importance of knowledge exchange, arguing that collaboration should not only focus on equipping African leaders for international business but also help foreign partners better understand the realities of operating within Nigeria’s agricultural and business environment.
She further advocated stronger faculty and student exchange programmes, noting that increased mobility and knowledge sharing would help deepen cooperation and strengthen ecosystems across priority sectors, including agriculture.
In her welcome address, the dean described the forum as an opportunity to advance economic growth, innovation, talent development, and sustainable impact between Nigeria and France.
“Agribusiness and food systems, technology, artificial intelligence and digital innovation, executive education and capacity building, and academic exchange, research and student mobility provide a valuable platform for identifying practical areas of collaboration and shared value creation,” David-West said.
Beyond agriculture, Fonbaustier identified human capital development as another major pillar of future France-Nigeria relations.
He disclosed that the number of Nigerian students studying in France has increased by 283 per cent over the past five years, reflecting growing educational and professional ties between both countries.
According to him, trust, a shared vision, and investment in human capital will continue to shape the relationship between Nigeria and France over the coming decade.
“France is committed to walking this journey alongside Nigeria, not as a spectator, not as a competitor, but as a trusted, renewable, predictable and long-term partner,” Fonbaustier said.
